33 Shaker Seniors Honored in National Merit and Achievement Competitions October 23

SHAKER HEIGHTS, Ohio – Again this year, Shaker Heights High School is among the top Ohio high schools for number of students honored in the National Merit and National Achievement Scholarship programs. Thirty-three members of the Class of 2002 were honored, placing Shaker second in the state among public schools in these two programs combined.

The students were selected on the basis of their scores on last year's Preliminary Scholastic Assessment Test, which also serves as the National Merit Scholar Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). One Shaker student, Elliot Karr, went on to score a perfect 1600 on the SAT.

“As I look at this collection of scholars I am struck by the diversity of the group,” said Principal Michael D. Griffith. “Amid the smiles, laughter and their infectious energy and enthusiasm, this year’s scholars represent different genders, races, ethnicities and religions. They are singers, actors, athletes, writers and artists.

“Whether on the stage, in a Model United Nations delegation, or on the field, these students are role models for us all. In short, they are a shining example of the very best our school community and Shaker Heights has to offer. My congratulations to each of them for being honored by the National Merit and National Achievement Programs and for continuing to achieve the highest standards of excellence.”

The National Merit Semifinalists are: Laura B. Barnes, Huaizhi Chen, Claire B. Dietrich, Kevin M. Gallagher, Nathan J. Hsu, Elliott C. Karr, Catherine E. Nosse, Seth E. Rosenberg, Duncan B. Sanford, Amy B. Schiller, J. R. Siegel, David W. Simmons-Duffin, Roopa Vasudevan, Amanda L. Webb and Carolyn R. Wilson.

They were among 16,000 semifinalists designated from 1.2 million students who took the test in the fall of 2000. These semifinalists represent less than one percent of each state's high school seniors. The semifinalists will continue in national competition for merit scholarships awarded by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. In the Class of 2001, Adam Abelson, Chloe Hill, and Yue Yang were among the 2,500 National Merit Scholarship winners nationwide.

Shaker's National Achievement Semifinalists in the Class of 2002 are: Liza J. Moody, Tiara C. Perry and Allison E. Waithe. The National Achievement program honors the nation's top African American scholars.

The National Merit Commended students are: Lesley R. DiFransico, Joseph C. Fungsang, Laura E. Goldberg, Mary F. Griffith, Andrew W. Kober, Alexandra Marcotty, Whitney A. Meredith, Matthew B. Ratner, Karen M. Schaefer, Matthew D. Smith, Sarah E. Spiegler and David J. Stone.

The National Achievement Commended students are: Krysten M. King-Decatur, Lydia C. Watts and Noah F. Williams.

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